There will be 12 games in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge for the first time, because there can be now that Nebraska has joined the Big Ten and because there have to be or else it would not be a real conference “challenge.”

There is no doubting the marquee appeal of the Nov. 29 matchup that sends ACC Tournament champion Duke to reigning Big Ten dual champion Ohio State. The Blue Devils will feature elite recruit Austin Rivers, considered by many to be the top player in the 2011 recruiting class. OSU again will be led by center Jared Sullinger, who made first-team All-American as a freshman.

The other possible gem will follow on the event’s second night, Nov. 30, and sends Wisconsin and All-American point guard Jordan Taylor to North Carolina. However, the Tar Heels feature the imposing frontcourt of Tyler Zeller, John Henson and Harrison Barnes and likely will be the nation’s No. 1 team; whether the Badgers will be ready to match that force as they replace starters Jon Leuer and Keaton Nankivil will dictate how competitive that game will become.

Several of the other matchups were damaged by unexpected departures to the NBA Draft of underclassmen who would have starred in the coming season:

• Michigan at Virginia, Nov. 29. The Wolverines might have merited a higher-profile matchup, perhaps vs. North Carolina, had point guard Darius Morris not jumped to the NBA.

• Illinois at Maryland, Nov. 29. The Illini lost gifted freshman forward Jereme Richmond, whose dunk against UNC was a highlight of last year’s ACC/Big Ten Challenge. Maryland likely would have contended for a top-three finish in the league with center Jordan Williams.

• Northwestern at Georgia Tech, Nov. 29. Tech’s effort to regenerate itself under new coach Brian Gregory will be impacted by the loss of guard Iman Shumpert. At least Northwestern was able to hang onto forward John Shurna, and its continued quest to at last make the NCAA Tournament will benefit.